Phoenix-area cold front bringing rain

A massive cold front is expected to move through the state Thursday bringing a chance for thunderstorms, reduced visibility and strong wind gusts, according to the National Weather Service.

Rain showers started in the early morning hours for parts of the Valley and cleared for a later part of the morning. Thunderstorms were expected to pick up Thursday afternoon.

No measurable amounts of rain fell in the Valley Thursday morning, according to the Flood Control District of Maricopa County. However, the weather service has received reports of quarter sized hail in the Lake Havasu area.

Forecasters predict the rain showers and thunderstorms could bring about a quarter to a half inch of rain.

Sustained winds could reach speeds of 30 mph, and gusts could top off at 50 mph, kicking up dust in desert regions in central and southern Arizona and reducing visibility, according to the weather service.

Earlier reports predicted the system could bring tornadoes to parts of the state, but by Thursday morning those chances had diminished.

The cold front should bring a cool down to the Valley. Temperatures were predicted to hover in the mid-80s Thursday before dipping to the mid-70s on Friday, according to the weather service.

Temperatures look to warm up once the system leaves the state. The Valley should have clear skies Saturday and Sunday with highs in the 80s.

Northern Arizona is expected to see thunderstorms and showers before the weekend, as well.

These storms could bring strong winds and produce hail larger than an inch in diameter, according to the weather service.